Situation in Mali

I want to express my deep concern over the coup d’état that has just taken place in Mali.

France condemns this forceful overthrow of the constitutional order in the strongest possible terms. She calls for the restoration of the constitution and institutions, respect for fundamental rights and freedoms and, in particular, the safety of President Amadou Toumani Touré. She also urges respect for the physical integrity of all those who have been detained and asks for their immediate release. Finally, she calls for adherence to the election timetable.

France suspends all state cooperation with Mali. We are maintaining our assistance to the population, particularly food aid, and we are continuing our efforts in the fight against terrorism.

Tomorrow’s Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels will provide an opportunity to discuss the measures the European Union must take in response to this situation.

The Malian people aspire to peace, security and democracy. It is essential to restore the country’s constitutional order, political stability and security conditions while avoiding all violence./.